Strategic Project Accountant (3-Month Contract) – Dorset

Canford School; Merley; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Canford School is seeking an experienced Project Accountant to join the finance team on a 3-month fixed-term contract, ideally full-time though 3-4 days per week may be considered. Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, you will deliver financial analysis and governance reporting across mergers and strategic initiatives.

You will work with senior stakeholders to provide insights, develop new reports, and support due diligence, budgeting and forecasting with strong Excel skills.

Qualifications

• Professional accountancy qualification required – ACA, ACCA or CIMA.
• Previous experience in a Project Accountant or similar finance role.
• Experience supporting mergers, due diligence or strategic projects is highly desirable.
• Strong financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting and reporting skills.
• Experience preparing information for senior management and governance reporting.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with ability to work with non-finance colleagues.
• Attention to detail, analytical ability and commercial awareness.
• Excellent Excel and financial systems skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work to tight deadlines.
• Proactive approach with ability to identify issues and provide practical recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Develop new financial reports and support the implementation of a new forecasting system.
• Support merger planning, providing financial analysis, modelling and reporting to inform decision-making.
• Support financial due diligence, including reviewing financial information, identifying risks and opportunities, and preparing analysis for senior stakeholders.
• Assess applications for financial assistance and make recommendations for support.
• Develop strong relationships with senior stakeholders, providing constructive financial advice and translating complex financial information into clear recommendations.
• Investigate and resolve financial queries and provide support to budget holders and project leads.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial reporting, controls and processes.
• Support the wider Finance team with accounting and reporting activities as required.

Skills

Excel

Stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Commercial awareness

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA professional qualification

Job description

Canford School is seeking an experienced Project Accountant to join the finance team on a 3-month fixed-term contract, ideally full-time though 3-4 days per week may be considered. Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, you will deliver financial analysis and governance reporting across mergers and strategic initiatives.

You will work with senior stakeholders to provide insights, develop new reports, and support due diligence, budgeting and forecasting with strong Excel skills.